DAF Form 1206: Official Nomination for Award Guide – The DAF Form 1206, officially titled Nomination for Award, serves as the primary document for recommending Airmen, Guardians, and civilians for awards and decorations across the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Whether you’re nominating someone for a quarterly award, annual recognition, or higher-level honors, this form standardizes the process and highlights outstanding performance.
Download the latest official DAF Form 1206 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf1206/daf1206.pdf
What Is DAF Form 1206 Used For?
Commanders, supervisors, and units use DAF Form 1206 to nominate individuals or teams for:
- Quarterly and annual awards (e.g., Airman of the Quarter/Year)
- Special trophies and recognitions
- Decorations and service awards
- Promotion-related boards (such as Below-the-Zone)
It replaced older formats and now emphasizes narrative performance statements for clearer, more equitable evaluations.
The form captures key details like nominee information, award period, and specific accomplishments. It limits submissions to one page (front only) in most cases, promoting concise and impactful writing.
Key Changes: Shift to Narrative Performance Statements
Since October 1, 2022, all DAF Form 1206 submissions use narrative-style performance statements instead of traditional bullets. This change, implemented Air Force-wide, improves readability and focuses on results.
Core Principles of Performance Statements:
- Standalone: Each statement is a complete sentence including (1) action and (2) impact or result/outcome.
- Readability: Use plain language. Avoid uncommon acronyms; stick to the approved Air Force Acronym and Abbreviation List.
Examples:
- “Capt Snuffy led a survey team of 33 personnel to establish an expeditionary airfield in support of a PACAF exercise across 4 countries, culminating in 153 sorties and 334 training events completed.”
- “TSgt Snuffy led 4 instructors through course validation, generating 153 changes, eliminating 32 classroom hours, and enhancing training for 70 students per year.”
White space on the right margin is accepted and expected. Bullets are not authorized. The award authority sets line limits (typically not exceeding one full page including headings).
How to Fill Out DAF Form 1206 Step-by-Step?
- Header Information — Enter nominee’s rank/name, award category/period, unit, and contact details.
- Accomplishments Section — Use performance statements grouped under relevant headings (e.g., Job Performance in Primary Duty, Leadership, Whole Airman Concept).
- Format Requirements — Times New Roman, 12-point font, single-spaced. Follow unit or MAJCOM-specific guidance for categories and line counts.
- Review and Submission — Supervisors or commanders review for accuracy. First Sergeants may annotate personnel file reviews for military members.
Pro Tips:
- Quantify impacts (e.g., “saved 360 man-hours,” “increased efficiency by 10%”).
- Focus on the award period only.
- Tailor to the specific award criteria announced by the authority.
For promotion boards or specific programs, additional rules may apply (e.g., line minimums for Job Performance vs. Whole Airman Concept).
Why Strong DAF Form 1206 Nominations Matter?
A well-crafted 1206 can significantly boost recognition, career progression, and morale. It provides a standardized way for boards to evaluate the “best of the best” based on initiative, achievement, and measurable impact rather than writing style alone.
Resources and Official Guidance
- AFPC Awards Page: Detailed performance statement guidance and examples → afpc.af.mil/Career-Management/Awards
- DAFMAN 36-2806: Awards and Memorialization Program (governing manual).
- e-Publishing: All official forms and instructions.
Units should check local supplements or myFSS for award cycles and templates.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the DAF Form 1206 is essential for Air Force and Space Force leaders and supervisors. By using clear narrative performance statements that highlight actions and results, you create compelling nominations that truly showcase excellence.
Ready to nominate? Download the form today and start drafting strong, standalone statements that tell the story of outstanding service.
This guide is for informational purposes and based on official Department of the Air Force sources as of 2026. Always refer to the latest guidance from your chain of command or AFPC for award-specific requirements.